Arson is a fat burner brought to us by “Muscle Asylum Project”, a company that is taking the “hardcore” marketing angle to the extreme. You don’t need to read much of the advertising to see it; Arson will turn you into a walking anatomy chart, you’ll get inhumanely shredded, yada, yada, yada. The warning I’ve seen posted on several web sites states…

“Keep out of reach of housewives, part-time bodybuilders, and aspiring actors/models. Do not store or use any flammable, combustible, or corrosive substances in the vicinity of this product. Never take more than the recommended dose. Do not use for toning, sculpting, leaning out, or ‘dropping a few pounds.'”

All quite entertaining stuff to be sure — I got a good chuckle over the above. Somebody over at the Muscle Asylum Project marketing department has a sense of humor… I think (I’m really hoping they’re not serious).

All kidding aside, how does the Arson formula measure up?

Well, if you consider that Muscle Asylum Project is really a division of Muscle Tech or Iovate (or whatever they are calling themselves these days) the outrageous hype shouldn’t surprise you.

At the same time, staff reviewer Elissa informs me Iovate’s R&D department is probably one of the better ones in the industry, and they do throw a fair bit of research money around.

That’s why it shouldn’t come as any surprise that Arson’s formula is decent – based upon some solid, fundamental ingredients that work. It will not, of course, turn you into a walking “anatomy chart” or anything even remotely similar. But I have no doubt it will probably help, when coupled with a good diet program and training program.

So what’s in it?

The “Internal Combustion™” matrix combines 300 mg of caffeine with green tea (standardized for 90% polyphenols, 75% catechins and 45% EGCG). Green tea (reviewed in full here) is a great addition to any fat burner. When used in combination with caffeine, however, research shows it may be even more helpful for weight loss (see Obes Res. 2005 Jul;13(7):1195-204).

A daily dose of Arson (2 caps twice daily) will provide 600 mg of caffeine… that’s a HUGE amount. If you are sensitive to caffeine, I highly recommend you assess your tolerance to this product by cutting the dosage in half — at least to begin with!

“Internal Combustion™” also features relative fat burning newcomer cissus quadrangularis. The good news is that a couple of studies performed at the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon do validate this ingredient’s effectiveness for weight loss. It also appears to be helpful for lowering blood sugar levels, decreasing serum lipids and “improving cardiovascular risk factors.” (See Lipids Health Dis. 2007 Feb 4;6:4, Lipids Health Dis. 2006 Sep 2;5:24.).

There are a couple of “downsides” to these positive studies though.

First, Arson is a proprietary blend of ingredients. So we can’t be sure if a daily dose contains the 300 mg of the Cissus quadrangularis extract found to be helpful in the studies. It’s certainly possible, since this is a 995 mg blend. However, only a trip to the lab can confirm this for sure.

Additionally, the lead author of these studies, Julius E Oben, has a patent on Cissus quadrangularis as a fat loss agent. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the results of these studies are not legitimate, it certainly calls their “objectivity” into question. There certainly appears to be a conflict of interest here.

Rounding up the “Internal Combustion™” blend is white willow bark (standardized for salicin) and theobroma cacau extract (standardized for theobromine — a caffeine-related chemical found in chocolate. It’s benefit for weight loss is largely speculative).

The second matrix in Muscle Asylum Project’s Arson, VasoBurn™, is much smaller — offering a mere 189 mg of ingredients. It boasts a smattering of the amino acid leucine, some xanthinol nicotinate ( potent form of niacin which boosts memory and cognitive function), plus…

Yohimbine: The standardized extract of the bark of the African Yohimbe tree, this compound is often used as a natural aphrodisiac. It is also sold as a drug (in the U.S., a popular brand is Yohimex containing 5.4 milligram of yohimbine hydrochloride per tablet) and is used to treat impotency, dilate the pupil of the eye, and stimulate fat loss.

Because it can cause unpredictable effects on blood pressure, Yohimbe should be approached with caution. A few studies bear out Yohimbe’s positive effect on weight loss (Isr J Med Sci. 1991 Oct;27(10):550-6) but its effects are hardly earth-shattering.

Uridine-5′-Monophosphate Acid: This ingredient was a little tougher, and I needed to call Elissa on board to help (good thing she’s got a Masters Degree in Food Sciences). Although we can’t be 100% certain for the reasoning behind its inclusion in this formula, uridine monophosphate is precursor for the synthesis of CDP-choline, and enhances the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

Acetylcholine helps regulate mood and memory. Most of Muscle Tech’s products contain an ingredient or two that focus on the “mental” element of dieting (see xanthinol just above), so it makes sense to me. There certainly aren’t any human studies that indicate that Uridine has “fat-torching” powers or anything.

So there you have it.

Muscle Asylum Project’s Arson is a decent, but hardly revolutionary, product. Combined with a smart diet and exercise program, it may give you an edge—yes, even if you are a housewife, a part-time bodybuilder, or aspiring actor or model.

Author: Paul

Paul Crane is the founder of UltimateFatBurner.com. His passions include supplements, working out, motorcycles, guitars... and of course, his German Shepherd dogs.

47 Comments

Jake

July 12, 2008

I used full dose 3 pills twice a day until the bottle was gone and the results were pretty good. I was already in good shape and ate healthy. I would take 3 in the morning right when I woke up with a glass of water and would then do my cardio workout, I could feel a little energy when I first started taking it, and I did sweat a little more.

I would then take the second dose later in the day before lifting. There was no extreme thermogenic effect or rush of energy. Overall I am more cut, and have more definition after using one full bottle and my body fat went from 14.2% to 10.8%.

Not sure how much was from the fat burner though as I really cleaned up my eating and did more cardio. I would say that it is a pretty good product but not as amazing as the advertisements say it is.

This is the 1st ever fat burner i’ve taken. I’m jittery and anxious, but i’m usually seceptible to OTC medicines. I’ve been working out for 3 wks and have just started with Mega Man Sport, but I needed more of an edge. So I decided to try Arson. I didn’t notice anything different at the gym. I lifted as normal and did 20 minutes of cardio. Bad thing is I took 1 cap at 6pm… now I’m wide awake with no end in sight. I’ll give it a week or two then post back the results.

I bought some Arson today. Going to try it. Will it be too strong for a girls body verses a man’s body? Please respond.

Editor’s comments: Women do not respond to fat burners in a significantly different manner than men. The issue here is body weight. Generally, a 240 lbs guy will tolerate a potent product at full dosage much easier than a 130 lbs female. Arson contains a fairly high dose of caffeine, so the best thing to do is start yourself off at the lowest possible dosage to asses your tolerance. You’ll slowly be able to raise the dose as your body acclimatizes to the stimulants.

I am a student in a college of pharmacy. And due to what we have been learning struck some interest with me in regards to Arson.

Sure the pill may work for some but what the company says the supplement does is false. First of all, it says it blocks alpha 2 receptors. If it did this then the noradrenaline release (which they claim to increase) will actually be inhibited. Also the alpha 2 receptors have nothing to do with an increase in lipolysis. The real receptor that does this is the beta 3 receptor. With most of these supplements that are out there the science behind them is completely wrong. If you dont believe me research it on your own and you will discover this.

I have used this supplement for a while and it has done nothing for me except give me energy, which that comes from the amount of caffeine in the supplement. So ultimately the weight loss that people actually see from this is due to an increase in energy. The weight loss is due to the exercise program you have the energy to do, and it has been proven that exercise causes weight loss… who would of thought that!

I have been taking Arson now for almost 3 months straight. I can really tell that it has worked for me. I have lost 3% body fat, and about 3 inches from my waist.

On the down side is that if I suddenly stop taking the Arson, or forget to take it, I have a headache and no energy. I understand that this can turn a lot of people away from it, but it’s up to you on how you want to look. The results were most definitely worth it to me.

Editor’s comments: Bryan, headaches are a sure sign of caffeine withdrawl. Arson contains a ton of this stuff, so your comments are not surprising.

I’ve been taking Arson for 2 weeks now (2 pills, twice a day). I eat pretty good, and exercise 3-4 times a week. So far I haven’t lost any weight, but boy do my arms, legs and stomach look great! I am a female boxer and have been out for 3 years since I had my son.

Trying to get back in shape, and so far Arson is doing a pretty good job with energy and actually seeing good muscle results.

I just started taking Arson a week ago and someone stopped me in the hallway at the college and accused me of stealing the anatomy chart from the science building and making a shirt out it. True story!

LOL… So far so good. The caffeine effect is the most pronounced noticeable side-effect.

Hydroxycut (with caffeine) really worked well for me. I’m hoping this is at least as effective as that.

I agree with Tom the pharmacy student. The weight loss is from increased energy. I know full well that a thermogenic’s main function is to increase energy to fuel your workout, allowing for increased duration and intensity. I have tried many other products and so far, Arson fuels my workouts the best and produces the most immediate results.

I have been taking just 4 a day 2 tabs twice daily, for approximately 6 weeks and have lost 12.5 lbs. I can go approximately 1.5 mph faster on the treadmill as well as 15 minutes longer when I take the Arson as opposed to when I do not.

There may be better products out there ( I am trying Lean System 7 next) but to this point Arson has been the best for me.

Just wanted to share my experience on the stuff: It is VERY strong and VERY potent. I’ve taken caffeine based fatburners before, and never have I felt their effects as much as Arson.

I could only handle 2 pills 2x daily, and after two weeks of use I was down about 5 lbs without changing a single thing in my diet/exercise routine.

I stopped taking Arson in the beginning of the third week because I fell very ill after taking a serving. My head felt like it was going to explode. Turns out I needed to be hospitalized because my blood pressure was at dangerous levels, and after that whole ordeal I immediately stopped the product.

I am NOT saying this will be your experience, I’m merely stating this stuff is very potent and should you decide to try it, you absolutely must monitor its effect on your body and stop taking it if you don’t feel right on it.

With that said, it does seem to work in reducing body weight. It’s not a miracle pill, but it defintely has some effect in my opinion.

I’ve been using Arson for about a week or so now, and have noticed nothing. I haven’t had any energy boosts or fat loss. I still weigh the same and look the same, and this is following the 3 pills 2x a day. Even when I lift, I do not notice any difference in energy or sweat production. Maybe I’m just immune to a fat burner, haha. Seriously though, I have seen no difference.

This is my third day of taking Arson, What I feel is that I am getting hungry very quickly! Is this normal? I normally don’t feel hungry this fast. I am also not feeling any kind of energy boost! Is it because I am just taking 2 tabs (1 in the morning and 1 before my workout). Maybe I am doing something wrong?

Editor’s comments: I highly doubt that feeling hungry faster is the desired result of this fat burner. However, you are only taking a third of the recommended dose – the full dose is 3 caps twice a day. You definitely need to work yourself up the recommended dose if you are to expect much of an effect at all.

Thanks for your comment. I will be increasing my dosage to 4 tabs(2-2). + I am also taking Clenbuterol in my second week 20mcg with this fat burner. This is what my trainer told me. I will continue clen for 4 weeks flat.

I have already lost some 30 kg of weight only through exercise without any medicine. I weigh 91 kg now. I just wanted to ask does my smoking habit interfere with this medication? I smoke 5 cigarettes in a day!

Editor’s comments: We doubt your smoking habit will make a difference to the effectiveness of this product. You should know, however, that depending where you are located in world, clenbuterol may be illegal.

I have been taking Arson since a week n have reached my full dose… though I don’t workout much. It’s helping me getting rid of my stubborn fat. My results are totally different. I have totally lost my appetite for food since I started taking arson, so I have to force myself to eat. I got sick with cough cold n fever after few days, so I have to give up my entire one day dose because I was taking other medications. I want to know if it is okay if I don’t take arson when I’m sick? And continue with high dose later? Or start from scratch?

So far really like it. Just a few questions I hope can get answered. 1) Is it ok to stack Arson with say NO explode or a type of pump drink like that? 2) I play hockey at a high level and would taking a full dose be not so good for my heart rate in a constant ‘go-hard” game hockey where I’m skating hard for 2 hours straight?

Editor’s comments: Trav, because of the legal ramifications involved we can’t really address this issue, sorry. We would question why you would need a fat burner like Arson though; it’s unlikely you’re significantly overweight if you’re playing semi pro-level hockey on a regular basis.

I’ve been taking it for about 3 weeks now, I agree it boost energy levels and that may be the cause of weight loss. Does the water depletion chemical in this product work or does what it says it does? Because my veins have been sticking out a lot more since I’ve been using this product – I don’t know if it’s the product or me working out. Any help on the water depletion part of it?

Editor’s comments: James, there are no diuretics in Arson. If you’re getting more pump or your veins are sticking out more, it may be because of the Yohimbine content; which can cause vasodilation.

I have used Arson previously – for 5 weeks – and just started again. I am a former college football player and I increased my reps and lightened my weight and saw great results. I am 6′ 2.5 and weigh 220-225. Played at 230-235 and almost got down to 215 using Arson and a great diet. Results are good but they don’t seem to last.

I usually go to the gym at 7 pm because I work, so what time should I take the last pill during the day. I don’t want to be up all night. Do you think I should take it around 4pm?

Editor’s comments: Nova, this really depends on your own sensitivity to stimulants. Some people can take stimulant based supplements late in the day and sleep easily, and some can’t. You will just have to see what works for you.

I’m 21 and I used to have a really active life style but it kind of slowed down the past few months. I want to get back into that lifestyle of running in the mornings and going back to the gym a few days a week. Is it a good idea to take diet pills on top of N.O. pills and whey protein?

Editor’s comments: Your main concern is to avoid stacking products that contain stimulants, as you may end up getting to much of them. depending on your tolerance, this could be potentially dangerous. It’s probably not a good idea to stack a pre-workout NO supplement like BSN’s NO-Xplode with a fat burner, but it’s OK to use whey protein (which at its core is simply a food supplement).

I just started taking Arson. So far I’ve noticed an increase in energy with no crash. My question is: Will taking Arson cancel out my BC pill?

Editor’s comments: Emily, questions like this are best directed to your medical professional. That said, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to believe the current version of Arson will have any effect on your birth control.

I just started taking arson this morning. I know that’s a minute time frame for a review but I already feel something. I’m a larger guy. 5,11″ 250 lbs but with a fair amount of muscle and no spelling skills. LOL.

I’ve taken many fat burners and even with no workout today I feel warmer ( not sure if that’s the pills or the placebo effect). Either way, I do feel something. Will report back in a few weeks on my progress.

I’m 22, I have been taking Arson for the past 4 days and feeling good energy, but the problem is rapid heart beat (slightly faster than normal resting speed) even at resting / sleeping. Is this normal with Arson? Shall I continue using it? Is this a permanent side effect ?

Editor, please reply!

Editor’s comments: Arun, a daily dose of Arson contains 600 mg of caffeine which is a huge amount (see the Arson review for more ingredient details). It also contains another potent stimulant, yohimbine. So we’re not surprised you have an elevated heart rate. It’s a common side effect with stimulants. Some people find that their bodies will acclimatise to the effects of the stimulants and they become less dramatic over time. A smart strategy might be to continue on at half-dosage for now, and only increase to a full dose after you’ve become used to the product’s effects.

Do you recommend Animal cuts, does that have same side effects like Arson?

Editor’s comments: Arun, most fat burner supplements contain caffeine and related stimulants. You may be sensitive to stimulants and therefore not an ideal candidate for such products. At the same time, Arson contains a higher-than-average amount caffeine, so another product may not affect you the same way. But there’s no guarantee.

I am not overweight, but I bought Arson because I work so hard at getting a six pack but I just cant get it. I thought maybe Arson would help burn my stomach fat so that my abs would start showing. Will it help me or not?

Editor’s comments: J, spot reduction is a myth. In other words, you can’t take a pill to target fat loss in any specific area of your body. When you lose weight, your body takes fat from where IT wants, not necessarily where YOU want. For a more detailed analysis of what you can expect from Arson, please see the Arson review.

I am only 165 lbs. I am taking creatine. Is it okay to also take arson?

Editor’s comments: John, you can if you want. But why do you need to take a thermogenic fat burner if you’re taking a supplement to help you get bigger? The two goals (losing weight VS getting bigger) run contrary, don’t they?

I’m sixteen years old 6 foot and 260 pounds. I play football and I started Arson today and took a full dose this morning. I feel a lot warmer and my heart rate has increased plus just doing normal things like walking around around the house. I find myself sweating does this mean its working?

Editor’s comments: Dakota, you should be aware that these products are not recommended for people under the age of 18. That said, sweating can certainly be an indicator of an elevated metabolism.

I tried Hydroxycut Hardcore and it seemed to give a caffeine rush for a bit, then wore off. I tried another one, think it was xenadrine product, and I wanted to go to sleep 30 min after a full dose LOL.

Saw Arson at the store and decided to give it a shot, especially at 28 bucks a bottle. The longest period I took it was last summer/fall (4 mos) and was up to a full dose, 2 out of 3 days. It gave me plenty of energy during weight workouts short-term and long. Each 3 pill dose lasted about 4 hrs for me and required tons of water intake/urination (LOL). My goal was to get stronger, put on some muscle and shred as much fat as healthy.

My starting weight was 183 (same digital scale every time) and I finished up at about 180. I pretty much accomplished what I set out to do: I put on some muscle weight and became way leaner afterwards.

Unfortunately I didn’t get a before fat percentage but ended up at 9.6%. at the end of the 4 month period I stopped working out and lost about 10 lbs of what I’m assuming was muscle and continued to burn fat. I was able to up my metabolism and keep it going for months afterwards without the use of the pills (I was thirsty all the time for 3 mos post Arson and was told the reason was my body was burning fat).

I’m happy with them and they get me motivated to workout on those days when I’m too tired or just don’t feel like it. Forgot to mention that my diet wasn’t the best but was ok (no fast food). Taking these and working out hard will make you hungry more often, but I never over-ate. Here I am again, except I have 3 months to see what I can do.

Forgot some things: My workout was full body weight training (short rest between sets) split between 2 days and 15-30min of cardio right after (mostly actual running with intervals often). This was the only supplement I took, with the exception of an occasional liquid protein shot 28g (no jokes) after days of hard or only cardio.

I rarely felt anxious but the energy was always there during workout sessions. Took 3 pills 1hr before workout, then 3 more 4-5 hrs later. Tons of water! I definitely sweat more during workouts and felt hotter when on the pills and not working out (armpits would cold sweat). I guess everyone’s body is different. I only hope there aren’t any unknown negative long term effects from this stuff as it hasn’t been around long enough yet.

I want to lose about 20lbs and I’ve had a hard time staying consisitent with my diet and excercise. I really want to try the Arson but it has gelatin in it (made from mammals). I’m not a vegetarian (yet) but I dont eat beef or pork so its kinda hard to find a good fat burner that has no animal made products in it. I’m assumming the gelatin thats in this product is animal made and not man made right? Any suggestions? I really want to try this product for a short period of time to help aid in weight lost…please help…anyone????

Editor’s comments: Klyde, if the capsules are made from gelatin, then it’s an animal-based product. Your only options are to find something else, or to break the capsules open, sprinkle the ingredients into water or juice, and try it this way.

I can clean my house like I actually like what I am doing!!! It gives you the drive to finish what you have to do for the day. I am also on the ABS Diet. With the combination of the two I am looking and feeling so good!

I purchased my first bottle from Rite Aid. I am so glad that I did- I truly love the way I feel and look! No heart palpitations, or shortness of breath! I have had problems in the past with other diet pills. Arson is the best product that I have tried-EVER! I do love it! “Arson Pro-Competition Strength Fat Burner” This has been the only product that I have tried by this company. Good luck to you!

I just want to know when I should take my doses during the day? I’m thinking between breakfast and lunch and between lunch and dinner.

Editor’s comments: Aly, the instructions should be on the label. However, because of the stimulants in this product, you probably do not want to take anything to late in the day. Before breakfast and lunch is probably a good place to start.

I take Lean by NxCare at bedtime. Is it dangerous to take Arson as well?

Editor’s comments: Ashley, the biggest concern about mixing products is overdoing it on the stimulants. Since Lean is a night time formula, it is stimulant free. Theoretically then, there’s no reason why you couldn’t also take Arson if you wanted.

Last Spring I took Arson for 2 six-week cycles. I have activity-induced asthma and I’m usually only able to go for a light jog for about 20 minutes before being out of breath and struggling (I’m in decent shape, too).

I started out taking 1 pill twice a day and, over the course of a week or two, only changed the dosage to 2 pills twice a day (the pills were in my system, so I didn’t think 6 pills a day was needed). I went to the gym for weight training, and then went home for a run and not once, all day, was I out of breath or fatigued. In fact, when I set out to run, I kept it at a good pace, and when I normally would’ve cashed-in, I suddenly had the energy to keep going.

I know the product doesn’t have any time of medicinal cure, but the vasodialation is incredible. Yeah, the increased energy is a plus, too; but my main concern was the asthma coughs and the hard time breathing.

I’m 5’6″ 172lbs as of right now, and that’s a little too heavy for my liking. I started out at about the same weight last year, and got down to a solid 159. That was only with weight training and eating fast food all the time (I was young and dumb). I wasn’t ridiculously ripped, but I was happy with the way I looked afterward. This time around I’m going to hit a diet plan hard, maybe stack with whey, and stick with 2 pills twice a day. The bottle I got is the “New and Improved” formula, so we’ll see. I didn’t think they needed to change anything, anyway.

I would just like your opinion. Im currently taking jack3d and kre-alkayn EFX would it be ok to take arson with those supplements? I work out 4-5 times a week as well as 15-20 minutes of cardio and with taking those 2 supplements i noticed great size and strength when working out but i cant seem to burn fat! Im just trying to get more defined and lose body fat. Any suggestions?

Editor’s comments: Joe, combing Arson with Jack3d is going to provide you with a ton of stimulants. It would probably be a good idea to skip your second dose of Arson any day you plan to take Jack3d. In other words, substitute one serving of Arson for your serving of Jacked on the days you are training. Stacking the two together is not likely to be a good idea, given the amount of stimulants either product provides.

Editor’s comments: You can take a thermogenic fat burner with a creatine supplement like Kre-Alkalyn if you like (your biggest concern is mixing or combining stimulant based supplements). However, thermogenics are normally used in cutting phases and creatine in mass-builiding phases.

I have been taking ARSON for about 3 weeks on a pretty regular basis. I can a little change but not much was really required. Is this the kind of pill that when I stop any weight lost will come back?

Also, I took 3 pills one morning but not the second dose that day. In the middle of the night I woke up with my face feeling hot from the inside out. No visible signs on the service. It’s 8:30 am and the sensation is still there. Remember it has been 24 hours since I took the last dose. Any thoughts?

Editor’s comments: Suzy, Arson contains xanthinol nicotinate, a potent form of niacin. It may have been something similar to a “niacin flush” you were feeling.

I have been taking arson for about a month now. I don’t like the way it makes me feel, I get jittery, and sick to my stomach every time I take it. Is this just a side effect of my body just getting used to it, and will eventually stop, or should I stop taking it?

Editor’s comments: If you’re still experiencing these side effects after a month, it’s unlikely they will ever subside. We suggest you stop taking the product.

I thought arson pills were good for my diet turns out I was wrong. I took one arson pill and it had me feeling depressed. I felt like I couldn’t breath, my brain felt out of place – it was so serious I was driving to the gym and had to stop on the side of the road to get a grip of myself. Anyway never again will I take a pill of Arson!

I’ve used arson in two of my cycles so far. First time was in 2008 and the second in 2010. My first cycle was outstanding. I lost 19 pounds within about 3 weeks and after the fat loss I started seeing massive gains in muscle almost 15 pounds. This could of been some of my other supplements but I was very impressed with the results. My second cycle I wasn’t so pleased. It almost seemed like they changed the formula. Only losing about ten pounds in fat with no muscle gain.

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